EP3571346A1

EP3571346A1 - Apparatus for drying laundry

Info

Publication number: EP3571346A1
Application number: EP18703038.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Antti PIRNES; Olli-Pekka HAVERI; Mika Eskola
Original assignee: Haveri Olli Pekka
Current assignee: Haveri Olli Pekka
Priority date: 2017-01-19
Filing date: 2018-01-16
Publication date: 2019-11-27
Also published as: WO2018134477A1

Abstract

An invention relates to drying laundry such that the drying happens by evaporation without heating. An apparatus (100) for drying laundry comprises clothes line elements (101, 102), a clothes line element including a first attachment part (103) and at least one clothes line (104). The apparatus comprises a first pair(111) of rotatable elements (112, 113) each of which has an outer perimeter (114) and is configured to rotate around its midpoint (115, 116) and a first loop (117) for encircling the first pair such that the first loop and the first pair are located on a first plane (118). The apparatus is configured to enable moving the clothes line elements along with the first loop such that the clothes line elements are supported at least at their one end. The apparatus further comprises a tightness adjustment arrangement for adjusting a mutual distance of the rotatable elements and thus a tightness of the first loop. The apparatus further comprises a lock for disabling and enabling a rotation of the first pair of the rotatable elements.

Description

Apparatus for drying laundry

Area of technology: an invention relates to drying laundry.

Background of the technology

A cloth rack, a cloth airer, an airer, a drying horse, a clothes maiden, a drying stand, or a winterdyke are some examples representing the prior art. They are frames upon which clothes are hung after washing in order to dry them by evaporation. Frames are intended to be used indoors or outdoors and they are usually made of steel, aluminium or plastic. There are many types of drying racks, large stationary racks and smaller foldable and portable racks. Some drying racks are intended to be attached to a wall and some drying racks have feet so they can stand on a floor.

K 101640352 Bl describes a laundry drying apparatus including a pair of transport rails, a plurality of drying racks coupled to the pair of transport rails, a transport shaft module, transmitting a turning force to the transport rails, and a power supply unit providing power for the transport shaft module so that the drying racks rotate along the pair of the transport rails. The rotation of the drying racks in the apparatus has similarities with a rotation of a paternoster type of apparatus.

CN 105926244 A describes an electric hanger that relates to the technical field of electronic household goods. The apparatus comprises a driving wheel, a driven wheel, a belt, cross bars, a motor, and a fixing bracket. The two ends of the cross bar are connected with a belt so that the cross bars can be rotated.

CN204662106 U describes a laundry drying apparatus that comprises a trapezoidal clothing support, a wire rope, clotheslines, clothes hooks, fixed pulleys, and also in this apparatus the clotheslines can be rotated.

A drying rack standing on a floor requires quite large surface area when in use in and its capacity is low, i.e. a small amount of clothes can be dried with it at a time. The same drawbacks are related to laundry drying apparatus that has single cross bars attached to a pair of belts or wire ropes. For example, the apparatus described in the above mentioned K 101640352 Bl includes drying racks so its drying capacity is high but it requires quite much floor area. Thus, the one drawback of the paternoster type of drying apparatus is its floor area requirement. Summary of the invention

One aspect of the invention is to construct an apparatus for drying laundry such that at least some of the above mentioned drawbacks are solved.

One aspect of the invention is that clothes line elements for drying laundry are arranged vertically and they are rotatable as in a paternoster.

The invention is related to an apparatus for drying laundry, the apparatus comprising clothes line elements for the laundry, a clothes line element including a first attachment part, a second attachment part, and at least one clothes line, a first pair of rotatable elements, a second pair of rotatable elements, a first loop for encircling the first pair such the first loop touches an outer perimeter of each rotatable element of the first pair, the first loop including first counterpart for attaching the first attachment part of the clothes line element to the first loop, and a second loop for encircling the second pair such that the second loop touches an outer perimeter of each rotatable element of the second pair, the second loop including a second counterpart for attaching the second attachment part of the clothes line element to the second loop.

The apparatus further comprises a tightness adjustment arrangement for adjusting a mutual distance of the rotatable elements of the first pair and thus a tightness of the first loop and a corresponding mutual distance of the rotatable elements of the second pair and thus a tightness of the second loop, and a lock for disabling and enabling a rotation of the first pair of the rotatable such that the clothes line elements are locked in their positions when the lock is in a locking position. Brief description of the drawings

For a more complete understanding of examples and embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 shows an apparatus for drying laundry,

FIGURE 2 shows another embodiment of the apparatus for drying laundry,

FIGURE 3A shows an apparatus standing on its legs,

FIGURE 3B shows three possible apparatus accessories,

FIGURE 4A shows an adjustable leg,

FIGURE 4B shows a rotatable element for adjusting a loop,

FIGURE 4C shows rotatable elements arranged in two groups,

FIGURE 5 A shows a loop composed of hinged elements,

FIGURE 5B shows a rotatable element having a form of polygon,

FIGURE 6 shows attaching of a clothes line element,

FIGURE 7 shows a support bar for stiffening the apparatus structure,

FIGURE 8A shows a telescopic rod for supporting rotatable elements,

FIGURE 8B shows wall brackets for attaching rotatable elements to a wall,

FIGURE 9 shows a crank and a ratchet mechanism,

FIGURE 10A shows a rotation handle and a ratchet lock,

FIGURE 10B shows a pedal for circulating clothes line elements with a motor,

FIGURE 11 shows details of clothes line elements,

FIGURE 12 shows baskets, boxes, and a plane for storing clothes,

FIGURE 13 shows a first embodiment of a foldable apparatus for drying laundry, FIGURE 14A shows the first embodiment of the apparatus when folded, FIGURE 14B shows the first embodiment of the apparatus from its side, FIGURE 14C shows a clothes line element when folded, FIGURE 15 shows a second embodiment of the foldable apparatus, FIGURE 16B shows the second embodiment of the apparatus when folded, FIGURE 16B shows the first embodiment of the apparatus from its side, FIGURE 16C shows implementing a hinge of a support bar with rollers, FIGURE 17 shows wheel options for the apparatus.

Detailed description of the invention

It is appreciated that the following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "one" embodiment, the reference is not necessarily made to the same embodiment(s), or the feature in question may apply to multiple embodiments.

FIGURE 1 shows an apparatus 100 for drying laundry. Apparatus 100 comprises clothes line elements 101, 102 for the laundry, each of the clothes line elements including a first attachment part and at least one clothes line. For example, clothes line element 101 includes a first attachment part 103 and at least one clothes line 104. Apparatus 100 further comprises a first pair 111 of rotatable elements 112, 113, each of which has an outer perimeter 114 and is configured to rotate around its midpoint 115, 116. A first loop 117 is intended for encircling the first pair 111 such that the first loop 117 and the first pair 111 are located on a first plane 118 and the first loop 117 touches the outer perimeter of each rotatable element of the first pair 111. The first loop 117 includes first counterparts 119 for attaching the first attachment part of said each clothes line element to the first loop 117. Apparatus 100 is configured to enable moving clothes line elements 101, 102 along with the first loop 117 such that clothes line elements 101, 102 are attached from their one end to the first loop 1 17 and supported at said one end. A benefit of this embodiment is that when the clothes lines point towards a user, the user can easier hang clothes on them. Apparatus 100 resembles a known paternoster that can be used for moving people or goods between floors of a building. Patent publication FI90851B includes an example of a paternoster. Apparatus 100, however, is not an elevator but a laundry dryer.

In one embodiment the clothes line elements, including clothes line elements 101, 102, can be circulated via rotatable elements 112, 113 by pulling first loop 1 17 with a hand towards the ground. In one embodiment clothes line elements 101, 102 can be circulated to clockwise and, when needed, to anticlockwise. One benefit of apparatus 100 is that it utilises efficiently the vertical space in a room and, in the same time, use of apparatus 100 is ergonomic because a user can circulate clothes line elements 101, 102 to an appropriate height from the ground for hanging clothes, for example, on clothes line 104.

Correspondingly, by pulling first loop 117 with a hand, the user can circulate clothes line elements 101, 102 to take the clothes off when they are dried. Gravity aims to circulate loop 117 so that the clothes line elements having the heaviest load are located closest to the ground. Various arrangements can be utilized to circulate loop 117 and, when needed, to hold the clothes line elements in certain positions.

In one embodiment the midpoint 115, 116 of a rotatable element includes a ball bearing for attaching the rotatable element. If first plane 118 is, for example, a concrete wall, the concrete wall can be prepared for attaching rotatable elements 112, 113 by drilling holes into it and pushing wall plugs into the holes. Then rotatable elements 112, 113 are screwed, for example, with hex head screws through the ball bearings into the wall plugs. Washers can be used for adjusting the attachment of rotatable elements 112, 113.

In one embodiment a lower rotation element 113 is intended to be mounted nearer the ground than the other rotation element 112 in the first pair. A benefit of this

embodiment is that a relative small floor area is enough for drying a great number of clothes at a time.

Fig. 1 further includes another view 120 of clothes line element 101. Because clothes line element 101 is configured to hang on loop 117 it is a type of "a hanging clothes line element". The ends of six clothes lines are coupled with a joint bar 121 together and the opposite ends of the six clothes lines are free. The joint bar 121 and the outermost clothes lines 104, 122 of said six clothes lines form a rectangle which is located substantially on a horizontal plane. Clothes line element 101 further comprises a twisted bar 123 such that ends of twisted bar 123 are coupled to ends of joint bar 121. A ring in the middle twisted bar 123 operates as attachment part 103. Counterpart 119 for attachment part 103 is included in the first loop 117. Counterpart 119 is a round protrusion that fits into attachment part 103 and because counterpart 119 and attachment part 103 are round, counterpart 119 can spin inside attachment part 103 so that the clothes lines of hanging clothes line element 101 stays on the horizontal plane when clothes line element 101 moves along with loop 117. A benefit of this kind of element 101 is its simplicity.

FIGURE 2 shows another embodiment of apparatus 100 for drying laundry. In addition to the first attachment part 103, clothes line element 101 includes a second attachment part 201 such that second attachment part 201 is located at an opposite end of clothes line element 101 in relation to the first attachment part 103. Apparatus 100 comprises a second pair 211 of rotatable elements 212, 213 each of which has an outer perimeter 214 and is configured to rotate around its midpoint 215, 216. Apparatus 100 further comprises a second loop 217 for the second pair 211 such that the second loop 217 and the second pair 211 are located on a second plane 218 and the second loop touches outer perimeter 214 of each rotatable element 212, 213 of the second pair. The second loop 217 includes a second counterpart 219 for attaching the second attachment part 219 of clothes line element 101 to the second loop. The apparatus 100 is configured to enable moving clothes line elements 101, 102 along with the first loop 117 and the second loop 217 such that clothes line elements 101, 102 are attached from their one end to the first loop 117 and their opposite end to the second loop 217 and therefore clothes line elements 101, 102 are supported at their both ends.

Fig. 2 further illustrates two walls 220, 221 between which apparatus 100 is placed. Wall 220 defines the first plane 118 and wall 221 defines the second plane 218 which is parallel with the first plane 218. Each wall 220, 221 is a wall of a cabinet or closet, for example. Each rotatable element 112, 113 of the first pair 111 is coupled to the first wall 220 at its midpoint and each rotatable element 212, 213 of the second pair 211 is attached to the second wall 221 at its midpoint. In one embodiment walls 220, 221 include small apertures for attaching rotatable elements 112, 113, 212, 213 and each midpoint 115, 116, 215, 216 includes a ball bearing, a bolt pushed through the ball bearing and a wall aperture, and a nut for the bolt and some washers. FIGURE 3 A shows apparatus 100 standing on its legs. Apparatus 100 comprises a first leg 301 for providing attachment points 302, 303 for the first pair of the rotatable elements. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 apparatus 100 has two pairs of rotatable elements 112, 113, 212, 213 and two loops 117, 217 for encircling the rotatable elements, thus apparatus 100 further comprises a second leg 304 for providing attachment points 305, 306 for the second pair of the rotatable elements. Apparatus 100 is resting on two legs 301, 304 which can be implemented in various manners. In Fig. 3 leg 304 covers the first pair 111 of the rotatable elements such that only outer perimeters 114 of the rotatable elements are visible. Correspondingly, leg 301 covers the second pair 211 of the rotatable elements. Apparatus 100 comprises support bars 307, 308 to hold the first leg 301 and the second leg 304 at a predetermined distance from each other. In one embodiment leg 301 and/or 304 is equipped with wheels for moving apparatus 100. A benefit of this embodiment is that a user can easily move apparatus 100 from one location to another location.

FIGURE 3B shows three possible accessories for apparatus 100. Apparatus 100 is viewed from its side such that the first leg 301 and six clothes line elements, including clothes line elements 101, 102, are visible. The first leg 301 comprises a foldable desk 311, a repository 312 for clothes line elements, and a clothespin repository 313. Foldable desk 311 can be used, for example, as an ironing board. Foldable desk 311 is in a vertical position in Fig. 3 but it can be set in a horizontal position. Repository 312 comprises two pegs 314 on which clothes line elements 315 hang. In this embodiment a number of clothes line elements can be changed. If the clothes to be dried are long, a distance between the clothes line elements should be quite long and thus additional clothes line elements can be kept repository 312. Correspondingly, if the clothes to be dried are short, a distance between the clothes line elements can be short and it is possible that the all clothes line elements are in use and repository 312 is empty. Clothespin repository 313 is a pocket intended for clothes pins. FIGURE 4 A shows an adjustable leg 401 for apparatus 100. Leg 401 includes a tightness adjustment part 402 for adjusting a mutual distance 403 of rotatable elements 112, 113 of the first pair 111 and thus a tightness of the first loop 117. When the mutual distance 403 of rotatable elements 112, 113 is increased with tightness adjustment part 402, also the tightness of the first loop 117 is increased. Adjustable leg 401 further includes a height adjustment part 404 for adjusting a distance 405 between the ground and a lower rotatable element 113 of the first pair. If the clothes to be dried are quite long, distance 405 between the ground and lower rotatable element 113 can be increased with height adjustment part 404. FIGURE 4B shows adjusting the first loop 117 with at least one additional rotatable element. As rotatable elements 112, 113, also a third rotatable element 411 is located on the first plane 118. The third rotatable element 411 is attached with a joint part 412 to apparatus 100 and a distance 413 between the third rotatable element 411 and the first rotatable element 112 can be changed by joint part 412. In addition to the first pair 111 of the rotatable elements 112, 113, the first loop 117 is configured to encircle the third rotatable element 411 such that the first loop touches an outer perimeter 414 of the third rotatable element. The third rotatable element 411 rotates around its midpoint 415 when the first loop 117 encircles the rotatable element 112, 113, and 411. One benefit of element 411 is that a tightness of loop 117 can be adjusted. Another benefit of element 411 is that (by using joint part 412 and element 411) loop 117 can be made larger in the proximity of the room ceiling so that a greater number of clothes can be dried.

FIGURE 4C shows rotatable elements arranged in two groups 421, 422. A first group 421 includes three rotatable elements 423, 112, 424 and a second group 422 includes three rotatable elements 425, 113, 426. The first loop 117 is configured to encircle the all elements 423, 112, 424, 425, 113, and 426. A benefit of this embodiment is a possibility to use small-sized standards parts, e.g. pulley wheels, as rotatable elements 423, 112, 424, 425, 113, and 426.

Also in this embodiment the first loop 117 has a form of oval. A vertical oval, or a vertical rectangle or another quadrilateral formed with four rotatable elements, is an appropriate form for the first loop 117 because then apparatus 100 is horizontally narrow, and requires only a small floor space. Fig. 4C further shows a vertical line 427 and midpoints 115, 116 of rotatable elements 112, 113. The midpoint 115 of the lower rotatable element 112 and the midpoint 116 of the other rotatable element 116 are located on vertical line 427. In one embodiment a line 428 drawn via midpoints 115, 116 of rotatable elements 112, 113 differs less than 45 degrees from vertical line 427. The midpoint 115 of the lower rotatable element 112 and the midpoint 116 of the other rotatable element 116 can be considered to locate

substantially on vertical line 427, if a line drawn via midpoints 115, 116 differs less than two degrees from vertical line 427.

FIGURE 5A shows a loop 117 composed of hinged elements 501-503. Hinged elements 501-503 can be made of a durable material or materials, such as plastic or plastic components. Elements 501-503 are hinged at their ends. For example, element 502 includes hinges at its end 504 and at the opposite end 505. In one embodiment loop 117 is manufactured so that its length is fixed. Apparatus 100 for drying laundry utilizes a room space in an efficient manner when it extends from a floor to a ceiling. The room height, however, varies. Therefore, in one embodiment loop 117 is manufactured so that a user can adjust the length of loop 117. In more detail, the user may shorten loop 117 by removing one or more elements 501-503, or the user may lengthen loop 117 by adding one or more elements 501-503 to loop 1 17. In one embodiment loop 117 is a chain, such as a bike chain. In another embodiment loop 117 is a solid flexible loop, such as a trapezoidal belt. In another view 506 elements 501-503 are shown from the side.

FIGURE 5B shows rotatable element 112 having a form of polygon. In the previous figures rotatable elements 112, 113 are spherical but it is possible to implement rotatable element 112, 113 such that it has outer perimeter 114 composed of sides 511, 512, for example, eight sides, and each side is at least as long one hinged element 502. A benefit of this embodiment is that rotatable element 112 has a firm grip on loop 117, i.e. the form of polygon prevents sliding of rotatable element 112.

FIGURE 6 shows attaching of a clothes line element to loop 117 with three views 601-603. The first view 601 shows clothes line element 101 and its attachment parts 103, 604 from a bird's perspective, wherein attachment parts 103, 604 are angular bars at the opposite sides of clothes line element 101. In this example clothes line element 101 includes six clothes lines, including clothes line 104. In the second view 602 clothes line element 101 is viewed along its clothes lines and attachment part 103 is visible in the middle.

The third view 603 shows hinged element 502, which is a part of loop 117, from the side. An angular hole is formed to the side of element 502 and the angular hole operates as counterpart 119 for attachment part 103 so that attachment part 103 can be pushed into it for attaching clothes line element 101 to loop 117.

FIGURE 7 shows a support bar 701 for stiffening the structure of apparatus 100. Support bar 701 is made of, for example, steel or aluminium and it comprises two vertical parts 702, 703 and one horizontal part 706 such that horizontal part 706 connects the ends of vertical parts 702, 703. The opposite ends 704, 705 of vertical parts 702, 703 extend to midpoints 115, 215 of rotatable elements 112, 212 and each end 704, 705 of vertical part 702, 703 is attached to midpoint 115, 215 with a rotatable axel.

FIGURE 8A shows a telescopic rod 801 for supporting rotatable elements 112, 113. In one embodiment, telescopic rod 801 comprises two pipes 802, 803 such that pipes 802, 803 are partly nested and rotatable element 112 is attached to pipe 802 and rotatable element 113 is attached to pipe 803. The both pipes 802, 803 have a plate 804, 805 at their one end. Plate 804, 805 is round in this example but it could have some other form, too. A distance between plates 804, 805 can be changed by moving nested pipes 802, 803 in relation to each other. When plate 804 touches a ceiling and plate 805 touches a floor the nested pipes 802, 803 are locked by a locking mechanism 806 such that that they cannot move in relation to each other. Then telescopic rod 801 stays between the ceiling and the floor and apparatus 100 can be used for drying laundry.

FIGURE 8B shows wall brackets 811-814 for attaching rotatable elements 112,113, 212, 213 to a wall. There are altogether four wall brackets 811-814, one wall bracket per rotatable element. Wall bracket 811 comprises screw holes in its twisted end 815 for attaching wall bracket 811 to wall. The opposite end 816 of wall bracket 811 is connected to an end of axle 817 of rotatable element 112. The other wall brackets 812-814 are implemented in a corresponsive manner. Rotatable elements 112,113, 212, 213 and the loops connecting the rotatable element pairs are visible in this example, because casings 818 of the rotation element pairs are made of transparent plastic. In one embodiment each of wall brackets 811-814 can be turned about 90 degrees to save room space. This embodiment requires that the clothes line elements between brackets 811-814 are detached, after which it is possible to turn brackets 811-814 against the wall. The embodiment can be implemented such that twisted end 815 is replaced with a hinge and the other twisted ends of brackets 812-814 are replaced in a corresponsive manner with hinges.

Fig. 8B further shows fixed clothes lines 819, one fixed clothes line in each of the casings 818. Fixed clothes 819 lines are intended for long clothes, such as adult trousers. When apparatus 100 includes fixed clothes lines 819, clothesline elements (such as 101, 102) are intended for relatively short clothes and thus the clothesline elements can be placed close to each other and a great number of clothes can be dried in a small space.

FIGURE 9 shows a rotation handle, i.e. a crank 901, and a ratchet mechanism 902. Crank 901 is intended for circulating the clothes line elements (including clothesline elements 101, 102) via rotatable elements 112, 113. Rotatable element 113 can be rotated with crank 901, and when element 113 rotates also element 112 rotates, because elements 112, 113 are connected to each other with loop 117. Loops 117 and 118 are connecting clothes line elements 101, 102, when turning crank 901 the all four rotatable elements 112,113, 212, 213 will rotate.

In the example of Fig. 9 crank 901 is connected directly to the axle of rotatable element 113 but other implementation manners can be used, too.

In Fig. 9 clothes drying apparatus 100 comprises legs and is be placed on a washing machine 903. Because apparatus 100 is located between the ceiling of a room and the upper surface of washing machine 903, it utilizes such room space that could otherwise be useless. Another benefit of this embodiment is saving time. In more detail, a user can lift clothes from a drum of washing machine 903 on its upper surface and from the upper surface of washing machine 903 to clothes lines of apparatus 100. Fig. 9 further includes a view 904 to illustrate a ratchet mechanism 902. This known mechanism is based on a wheel 905 with teeth and a pawl 906 that follows the teeth as wheel 905 turns. Ratchet mechanism 902 is attached to the axle of rotation element 113 such that ratchet mechanism 902 can be utilized in a rotation control by means of which a user can affect the rotation of rotatable elements 1 12,113.

FIGURE 10A includes three views 1001-1003 and they illustrate a rotation handle 1004, a releasable lock 1005 and the rotation control. The rotation control includes at least enabling and disabling the rotation of rotatable elements 112,113. The rotation control can be implemented with releasable lock 1005 that is configured to affect one of the following components: rotatable element 112,113, an axle of rotatable element

112,113, or loopl 17. In some embodiments the rotation control is used for forcing rotatable elements 112,113 to rotate clockwise or anticlockwise.

View 1001 shows rotation handle 1004 that is attached to a casing 1006 of apparatuslOO. It can be rotated clockwise or anticlockwise to rotate rotatable elements 112, 113 correspondingly clockwise or anticlockwise. Rotation handle 1004 includes lock 1005 for the rotation control. Lock 1005 is coupled to the ratchet mechanism and affects the axle of rotatable element 112 such that when lock 1005 is turned to its locking position, the clothes line elements are locked in their positions. A corresponsive round rotation handle (not shown in the figure) is attached to the other casing 1007 of apparatus 100. Because there are two rotation handles 1004, a user can rotate rotatable elements 112, 113, 212, 213 with the both hands, which makes apparatus 100 lighter to use.

View 1002 shows lock 1005 as magnified. A bar 1008 in the middle of lock 1005 can be rotated clockwise or anticlockwise for opening or closing of lock 1005. When lock 1005 is closed the clothes line elements (such as 101, 102) are locked to their positions. Corresponsive locks are used in known ratchet wrenches.

View 1003 shows a pulley 1009 attached to rotation element 112 and another, a smaller pulley 1010 attached to rotation handle 1004 and a trapezoidal belt connecting pulleys 1009, 1010. FIGURE 10B shows a pedal 1011 for circulating the clothes line elements by an electric motor 1012. A user can start electric motor 1012 by pushing pedal 1011 with a foot. A benefit of this embodiment is that a user can use the both hands for handling clothes. Another benefit is that due to electric motor 1012 apparatus 100 is light to use. FIGURE 11 shows clothes line element 101 hanging on loop 117, i.e. it is a type of hanging clothes line element 101. The ends of six clothes lines are coupled with a joint bar 1101 together and the opposite ends of the six clothes lines are coupled with another joint bar 1102 together. Clothes line element 101 includes at least clothes line 104 and a clothes line 1103. The joint bars 1101 and 1102 and the outermost clothes lines 104, 1103 form a rectangle. The corners of the rectangle are coupled together with a twisted bar 1104. The opposite corners of the rectangle are coupled together with a corresponding twisted bar 1105. A ring locating in the middle of twisted bar 1104 operates as attachment part 103 for attaching clothes line element 101 to loop 117. Twisted bar 1105 is equipped with a corresponding ring 1106. Fig. 11 further shows a "peg set" type of clothes line element 1107. Each clothes line in element 1107 is a peg that is coupled to the other clothes lines from its one end but the opposite end of the peg is free. The free ends of outermost pegs 1108, 1 109 are twisted upwards so that they can hold detachable storages which are discussed next.

FIGURE 12 shows baskets 1201, 1202, boxes 1203, 1204, 1205 and a plane 1206 for storing clothes. The same apparatus 100 can be used for drying clothes as well as for storing the clothes. In other words, apparatus 100 can operate as a laundry drying apparatus as well as a clothes closet. A benefit of this embodiment is that a user does not need to move the clothes a long distance.

In the previous figures, for example clothes line element 102 can be replaced with basket 1201. Basket 1201 includes holes 1207, 1208 for hanging it to loops 117, 118.

When some clothes line element (such as 101) includes dry socks, the socks can be paired and placed into basket 1201. A user of apparatus 100 does not need to walk but the user just pairs socks and puts the paired socks into basket 1201, or alternatively, into some other of storage 1202-1206 that is added to apparatus 100. Basket 1202 is in this example larger than basket 1201 and box 1203 is about the same size as basket 1201. They both are intended for the same purpose as basket 1201, i.e. for storing socks or other dry clothes.

Box 1204 includes an intermediate wall 1209 for dividing box 1204 into two compartments, for example, so that one compartment is for a husband's socks and the other compartment is for a wife's socks. Correspondingly, box 1205 includes an intermediate wall 1210 that divides box 1205 into two compartments. Box 1204, box 1202, and basket 1203 include the same kind of holes (1207, 1208) as basket 1201 for hanging them between loops 117, 118. Box 1205 and plane 1206 are missing the holes for hanging. Instead, they include stoppers 1211, 1212 for holding box 1205 or plane 1206 on a "peg set" type of clothes line element 1107. For example, box 1205 can be placed on clothes line element 1107 such that the outermost pegs 1108, 1109 are located between stoppers 1211, 1212. Because the ends of pegs 1108, 1109 are twisted upwards, they keep box 1205 on clothes line element 1107. When required, box 1205 can be lifted up to detach it from clothes line element 1107. After the detaching of box 1205 clothes line element 1107 can be used for hanging laundry. A benefit of this arrangement is that apparatus 100 can be easily transformed such that it comprises box 1205 or plane 1206 for storing clothes or, alternatively, it comprises more clothes lines for drying clothes. FIGURE 13 shows a first embodiment of apparatus 100 for drying laundry, wherein apparatus 100 is foldable. The most of apparatus parts, which are already shown in the previous figures, are omitted herein. Apparatus 100 comprises clothes line elements 101, 102 for the laundry and clothes line element 101 includes the first attachment part 103, the second attachment part201, and at least one clothes line 104. Apparatus 100 comprises the first pair 111 of rotatable elements 1 12, 113 and the first loop 117 for encircling the first pair 111 such that the first loop touches an outer perimeter of each rotatable element 112, 113 of the first pair, and the first loop includes the first counterpart 119 for attaching the first attachment part 103 of clothes line element 101 to the first loop. Apparatus 100 comprises the second pair 211 of rotatable elements 212, 213 and the second loop 217 for encircling the second pair 211 such that the second loop touches an outer perimeter of each rotatable element 212, 213 of the second pair, and the second loop includes the second counterpart 219 for attaching the second attachment part 201 of clothes line element 101 to the second loop.

Apparatus 100 comprises: a first leg 301 to hold the first pair 1 11 of rotatable elements 112, 113 at attachment points 302, 303, a second leg 304 to hold the second pair 211 of rotatable elements 212, 213 at attachment points 305, 306, a support bar 307 attached with a first hinge 1308 to the upper end of the first leg 301 and attached with a second hinge 1309 to the upper end of the second leg 304, and a corresponding support bar 1310 attached with a first corresponding hinge 1311 at attachment point 303 to the first leg 301 and attached with a second corresponding hinge 1312 at attachment point 306 to the second leg 304.

Attachment point 303 is an end of the axle of rotatable element 113 and attachment point 306 is an end of the axle of rotatable element 213.

Apparatus 100 is collapsible for storing. Due to the first hinge 1308 and the second hinge 1309, support bar 307 is foldable and, due to the first corresponding hinge 1311 and the second corresponsive hinge 1312, corresponding support bar 310 is foldable. Because support bar 307 is foldable and corresponding support bar 1310 is foldable, the distance between the first leg 301 and the second leg 304 can be shortened for storing of apparatus 100. The floor area requirement of apparatus 100 is low when apparatus 100 is in use and the floor area requirement is even lower during the storing period. Fig. 13 illustrates the first embodiment of apparatus 100 in which the second leg

304 comprises two parts 1313, 1314 and a leg fastener 1315 to hold said two parts in a predetermined position to each other. Rotatable elements 212, 213 are attached to an upper part 1313 of the second leg 1304. In this example, parts 1313, 1314 are pipes such that a lower part 1314 of the second leg 1304 can be pushed inside upper part 1313. FIGURE 14A shows the first embodiment of apparatus 100 when folded. Lower part 1314 of the second leg 304 is almost fully located inside upper part 1313 and thus upper part 1313 of the second leg 304 is moved closer the ground 1401 than in Fig. 13 and the distance between the first leg 301 and the second leg 304 is shortened. FIGURE 14B shows the first embodiment of apparatus 100 from its side.

Apparatus 100 can be taken in use more easily when the first leg 301 is attached somehow.

In one embodiment the first leg 301 comprises at least one aperture 1411 to attach (with a screw) the first leg through said at least one aperture 1411 to a wall.

In another embodiment the second leg 304 comprises an extension part 1412 to touch a ceiling 1413 and to lock the second leg between the ceiling 1413 and a floor i.e. the ground 1401. Extension part 1412 is, for example, a threaded rod.

FIGURE 14C shows clothes line element 101 when folded. A point of view is the same as in Figures 3 and 4A, i.e. from the front side of apparatus 100, but clothes line element 101 is shown herein as magnified. Clothes line element 101 comprises a first hinge part 1421 and a second hinge part 1422 coupled to at least one clothes line 104 such that at least one clothes line 104 is foldable together with support bar 307 and

corresponsive support bar 1310. An advantage of the first embodiment of apparatus 100 is that there is no need to detach any clothes line element from loops 117, 217.

FIGURE 15 shows a second embodiment of apparatus 100 for drying laundry, wherein apparatus 100 is foldable. Loops 117, 217 and clothes line elements 101, 102 are omitted from the figure. In the second embodiment support bar 307 and corresponding support bar 1310 are attached to each other with a pivot fastener 1501 such that support bar 307 and corresponding support bar 1310 are movable in relation to each other as blades of a scissors. In one embodiment apparatus 100 comprises a storing-peg 1502 for clothes line elements 101, 102. For example, if the first attachment part 103 and the second attachment part 201 are implemented as rings, clothes line element 101 can hang either of the rings from storing-peg 1502. Conversely than in the first embodiment, fixed attachment points 302, 303, 305, and 306 are missing from the second embodiment. Nevertheless, the ends of support bar 307 touch the first leg 301 and the second leg 304 (as in the first embodiment) and the ends operate as the first hinge 1308 and the second hinge 1309. In addition, the ends of corresponding support bar 1310 touch the first leg 301 and the second leg 304 and those ends operate as the first corresponding hinge 1311 and the second corresponding hinge 1312.

In one embodiment apparatus 100 comprise additional rotatable elements 1503- 1506 such that the first loop 117 can encircle four rotatable elements 112, 113, 1503, and 1504, and the second loop 217 can encircle four rotatable elements 212, 213, 1505, and 1506. When there are more than two rotatable elements in the same loop, the shape of the loop can is adjustable.

FIGURE 16A shows the second embodiment of apparatus 100 when folded. When a user has pressed with hands the first leg 301 and the second leg 304 approximately from the middle 1601 towards each other the first leg 301 and the second leg 304 are now much closer each other than in Fig. 15.

FIGURE 16B shows the second embodiment of apparatus 100 from its side. Apparatus 100 comprises an upper bar 1611 and a lower bar 1612 which both are attached to the first leg 301. Rotatable elements 112 and 1504 are attached to upper bar 1611 and rotatable elements 113 and 1503 are attached to lower bar 1612. A dot line illustrates a space 1613 inside the first leg 301 that is intended for the first hinge 1308 and the first corresponding hinge 1311. A dashed line illustrates an alternative space 1614 inside such structure that is intended for the first hinge 1308 and the first corresponding hinge 1311.

FIGURE 16C shows implementing the first hinge 1308 of support bar 307 with rollers 1621, 1622. The first leg 301 is viewed from a bird's perspective and the perimeter of the first leg 301 is magnified. The perimeter of the first leg 301 looks like a rectangle except that one long side of the rectangle includes an opening 1623 for support bar 307. Support bar 307 is attached to a common axle 1624 of rollers 1621, 1622, i.e. common axle 1624 penetrates the both rollers. Rollers 1621, 1622 are movable inside the first leg 301 but due to its structure (due to the perimeter of the first leg 301) rollers 1621, 1622 are captured in space 1613 inside the first leg 301. FIGURE 17 shows wheel options for apparatus 100. One option is a single wheel at the end of the second leg 304 (in lower part 314) when the first leg 301 is unmovable. Another option is a wheel bar 1701 that comprises two wheels and can be attached to end of the first leg 301 and/or the second leg 304. Thus, in one embodiment apparatus 100 comprises at least one wheel 1702 for moving apparatus 100 or the second leg 304.

Regarding to the embodiments described in the figures and in the above text the laundry to be dried dries by air surrounding the laundry. In other words, no extra energy is needed for evaporating moisture from laundry. It is, however, possible to circulate the air by a fan to increase the moisture evaporation from laundry and to shorten its drying time. Another known method to increase the moisture evaporation is to use heat. The air temperature can be raised, for example, by placing resistors inside the clothes lines (such as clothes line 104). A person skilled in the art is expected to know various implementation manners for a fan and/or a heater, if there is a need to increase the moisture evaporation when drying laundry with apparatus 100. While the present invention has been described in connection with a number of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the present invention is not so limited, but rather covers various modifications, and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of prospective claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for drying laundry, the apparatus comprising clothes line elements (101, 102) for the laundry, a clothes line element (101) including a first attachment part (103), a second attachment part (201), and at least one clothes line (104), a first pair (111) of rotatable elements (112, 113), a second pair (211) of rotatable elements (212, 213), a first loop (117) for encircling the first pair (111) such the first loop touches an outer perimeter of each rotatable element (112, 113) of the first pair, the first loop including first counterpart (119) for attaching the first attachment part (103) of the clothes line element (101) to the first loop, a second loop (217) for encircling the second pair (211) such that the second loop touches an outer perimeter of each rotatable element (212, 213) of the second pair, the second loop including a second counterpart (219) for attaching the second attachment part (201) of the clothes line element (101) to the second loop, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the apparatus further comprises a tightness adjustment arrangement for adjusting a mutual distance (403) of the rotatable elements (112, 113) of the first pair (111) and thus a tightness of the first loop (117) and a corresponding mutual distance of the rotatable elements (112, 113) of the second pair (211) and thus a tightness of the second loop (217), and a lock (1005) for disabling and enabling a rotation of the first pair of the rotatable such that the clothes line elements are locked in their positions when the lock (1005) is in a locking position.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the lower rotatable element and the other rotatable element are intended to be mounted such that a midpoint of the lower rotatable element and a midpoint of the other rotatable element are located substantially on a same vertical line.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the lock (1005) is coupled to the ratchet mechanism and affects an axle of rotatable element (112).

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus is configured to be placed between walls such that each rotatable element of the first pair is attached to a first wall at its midpoint (115, 116) and each rotatable element of the second pair is attached to a second wall at its midpoint (215,216).

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a first leg (301) for providing attachment points (302, 303) for the first pair of the rotatable elements, the apparatus being intended to rest at least on the first leg.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the first leg comprises at least one of the following accessories for the laundry: a foldable desk (311), a repository (312) for clothes line elements, a clothespin repository (313).

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the tightness adjustment arrangement is implemented by a tightness adjustment part (402) in the first leg.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the first leg includes a height adjustment part (404) for adjusting a distance (405) between the ground and the lower rotatable element (113).

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that rotatable elements are arranged in a first group (421) and a second group (422) such that the second group includes the lower rotatable element (113) and at least one other rotatable element (425, 426) and the first group includes the other rotatable element (112) in the first pair and at least one other rotatable element (423, 424), and the first loop is configured to encircle rotatable elements of the first group and rotatable elements of the second group.

10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, in addition to the rotatable elements of the first pair, the first loop is configured to circulate at least one other rotatable element (411).

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the first loop (117) is composed of hinged elements (501, 502, 503).

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that a rotatable element (112) of the first pair has an outer perimeter (113) which is composed of sides (511, 512), each side being at least as long one hinged element (502).

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a second leg (304) for providing attachment points (305, 306) for the second pair of the rotatable elements and at a support bar (307, 308, 701) for coupling the first leg to the second leg.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a telescopic rod (801) for providing attachment points (302, 303) for the first pair of the rotatable elements, the telescopic rod being configured to take support with plates (804, 805) on a floor and on a ceiling.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises wall brackets (811-814) for attaching the rotatable elements to a wall.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises fixed clothes lines (819) for hanging clothes.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a rotation handle (901, 1004) for rotating the rotation elements.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a pedal (1011) for starting an electric motor that is configured to rotate the rotation elements.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that ends of clothes lines (104,1103) are coupled with a joint bar (1101) together and the opposite ends of the clothes lines are free.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the apparatus comprises at least one the following storages for storing dry clothes: a basket (1201, 1202), a box (1203, 1204, 1205), or a plane (1206).

21. The apparatus as claimed in claims 5 and 13, characterized in that apparatus comprises the first leg (301), the second leg (304), and the support bar (307) for coupling the first leg to the second leg.

22. The apparatus as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that the apparatus further comprises a corresponding support bar (1310) for coupling the first leg to the second leg, and in the apparatus the support bar (307) is coupled by a first hinge (1308) to the first leg and by a second hinge (1309) to the second leg, the corresponding support bar (1310) is coupled by a first corresponding hinge (1311) to the first leg and coupled by a second corresponding hinge (1312) to the second leg, and the apparatus is collapsible such that, due to the first hinge (1308) and the second hinge (1309), the support bar (307) is foldable and, due to the first corresponding hinge (1311) and the second corresponsive hinge (1312), the corresponding support bar (1310) is foldable to shorten a distance between the first leg and the second leg.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that the apparatus comprises at least one wheel (1702) for moving the apparatus or the second leg.

24. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that the second leg comprises two parts (1313, 1314) and a leg fastener (1315) to hold the two parts (1313, 1314) in a predetermined position to each other.

25. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the first leg comprises at least one aperture (1411) to attach the first leg through said at least one aperture (1411) to a wall.

26. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the first leg comprises an extension part (1412) to touch a ceiling (1413) and to lock the first leg between the ceiling (1413) and a floor.

27. The apparatus as claimed in claim 24, characterized in that the clothes line element (101) comprises a first hinge part (1421) and a second hinge part (1422) coupled to said at least one clothes line (104) such that said at least one clothes line (104) is foldable together with the support bar (307) and the corresponsive support bar (1310).

28. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22, characterized in that the support bar (307) and the corresponding support bar (1310) are attached to each other with a pivot fastener (1501).

29. The apparatus as claimed in claim 28, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a storing-peg (1502) for the clothes line elements (101, 102).

30. The apparatus as claimed in claim 28, characterized in that the first hinge (1308) is implemented with rollers (1621, 1622) having a common axle (1624) such that the rollers are movable inside the first leg and the common axle is attached to the support bar (307).